With preparations complete, the instructors gathered the students, instructing them to adorn their Realm devices and get ready to fight. The familiar process of entering NexaRealm began, each student syncing their devices, their consciousness slipping into the immersive virtual world. They found themselves in a private server, the battlefield set for a team deathmatch.
In the Assassins' group, Joon-ho stood alongside his peers, feeling the anticipation build as they waited for the match to commence. The landscape around them was a dense forest, offering plenty of opportunities for stealth and ambushes. As they took their positions on one side of the map, one of the Assassins turned to Tae-young, the clear leader among them.
"Do you have any particular tactic in mind?" he asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
Tae-young's gaze swept over them, his expression cold and calculating. "Don't die and don't hold me back," he replied starkly. "If you all plan to play scared and hide as you did during the selection for the top ten, then suit yourselves. I'm going offence all the way."
His words hung heavy in the air. While harsh, they rang true. If everyone played defensively, hiding and waiting for opportunities, they would fail to impress the instructors. The reality of their situation was that they needed to stand out, to show their skills and courage in the face of danger.
Despite understanding the necessity of Tae-young's approach, the other Assassins couldn't help but harbour resentment towards him. His demeanour, while effective, made him increasingly unlikable. Whispers and murmurs circulated, some hoping to see Tae-young's ego lead to his downfall. Joon-ho, standing beside Hyun-ae, remained neutral. He had his history with Tae-young but chose to look forward, focusing on the task at hand.
As the match timer counted down, Joon-ho felt a mix of anxiety and determination. This was their chance to prove themselves, to rise above their previous performances and to show that they deserved to be among Korea's elite. The forest around them was silent, save for the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds—an eerie calm before the storm.
When the match began, Tae-young immediately took the lead, disappearing into the shadows with a fluid grace that only the best Assassins could achieve. The rest of the team hesitated for a moment before spreading out, each moving to positions that offered strategic advantages. Joon-ho and Hyun-ae stuck together, knowing that their teamwork could make a difference in such a chaotic environment.
The tension was palpable as they advanced, their senses heightened by the knowledge that enemies could be lurking behind any tree or rock. They moved with practised stealth, communicating through hand signals and silent gestures. Joon-ho's mind raced with strategies, trying to anticipate the movements of the other teams.
Elsewhere on the battlefield, Kang-dae led his Roamer team with a calm yet commanding presence. His team comprised both Tanks and Support roles, each player aware of their strengths and limitations. Tanks like Kang-dae were built to sustain heavy damage, their thick armour absorbing blows that would fell others. However, their damage output was lacking, making it crucial for them to work closely with the Support members who could heal and enhance their durability.
"Stick together," one of them reminded. "We need to control engagements and avoid getting isolated. Tanks form the front line. Supports, stay close and be ready to heal and provide buffs."
The Roamers nodded, understanding the strategy. Their goal was to sustain prolonged fights and gradually wear down their opponents, using their superior durability and healing capabilities.
In another part of the forest, Soo-jin and Hana moved with their Fighter team. Fighters were versatile, excelling in both offence and defence. Soo-jin's focus was sharp, her experience in the Weekly Tournament guiding her actions.
"We can split up into pairs," Hana suggested. Being the second best in Korea favours her for the others to listen and obey. "Cover more ground and look for opportunities to engage other teams. If you find anyone, don't commit too deeply until backup arrives."
"Remember, we're all-rounders. Use your mobility to outmanoeuvre and outlast. Keep an eye out for ambushes," Soo-jin nodded in agreement.
The Fighters spread out, maintaining communication and ready to converge on any sign of the enemy. Their strategy was to leverage their versatility, adapting to any situation and responding quickly to threats.
Meanwhile, Sang-hee and her Mage team moved cautiously. Mages had immense power, but their low health made them vulnerable. They knew that confrontations, especially with Assassins, could be deadly.
"Stay back and use range to our advantage," In-su advised. Of course, being third-best definitely meant he was among the top ten here. "We need to control the battlefield with our spells. If we see Assassins, don't engage directly. Wait for the right moment or third-party the fight."
The Mages spread out, each ready to unleash devastating spells from a distance. Their goal was to control the flow of battle, using their magical abilities to influence outcomes without exposing themselves to unnecessary risk.
Jin-kyong with her Marksman team with a confident stride. Marksmen, like Mages, had high damage potential but low health. They excelled at picking off targets from a distance but were vulnerable in close combat.
"We need high ground and clear lines of sight," Chin-hwa instructed. Like In-su, Chin-hwa was second best for Marksman in Korea. "Move carefully and avoid getting too close to Assassins and Fighters. If we spot a fight, pick off weakened targets and support from a distance."
The Marksmen fanned out, each looking for vantage points where they could maximize their damage output. Their strategy revolved around precision and timing, striking from afar and avoiding direct engagements.
As each team moved through the forest, the advantages and disadvantages of their roles became evident. The Assassins relied on stealth and surprise, ready to strike from the shadows. The Roamers focused on durability and support, aiming to control and sustain engagements. The Fighters adapted to any situation, using their versatility to their advantage. The Mages controlled the battlefield from a distance, unleashing powerful spells to turn the tide. The Marksmen sought high ground, using their ranged attacks to pick off targets.
The forest, once silent and serene, was now a tactical playground. Each team knew that the key to victory lay in understanding their strengths and weaknesses, leveraging their unique abilities, and anticipating the moves of their opponents. The instructors watched closely, evaluating not just individual performances but also how well the students could work together and execute their strategies.
As the countdown to the match began, the tension grew. Each student knew that this was their chance to prove themselves, to show that they deserved to represent Korea on the world stage. They braced themselves for the imminent clash, ready to give everything they had.
The forest was calm, but the storm was about to break. In the midst of it all, each team prepared for the battle ahead, each player determined to emerge victorious in this test of skill, strategy, and teamwork.
Tae-young led his Assassin team through the dense underbrush, moving silently and swiftly. His eyes scanned the surroundings, looking for any sign of movement. The plan was simple: strike fast, strike hard, and disappear before the enemy knew what hit them.
On the opposite side, Kang-dae and his Roamers advanced with caution. The Tanks formed a protective barrier around the Supports, who kept their eyes peeled for any signs of the enemy. Kang-dae knew they had to withstand the initial onslaught and use their durability to outlast their opponents.
Soo-jin and Hana's Fighter team moved through the forest with a balance of aggression and caution. They split into pairs, covering more ground but staying close enough to provide quick support. Their strategy was to find isolated targets and take them down quickly.
Sang-hee's Mage team found a high vantage point and set up a defensive position. They prepared their spells, ready to rain down destruction on anyone who dared approach. Their goal was to control the battlefield from a distance, using their magical prowess to turn the tide of battle.
Jin-kyong and her Marksman team climbed a hill and took positions behind rocks and trees. From their elevated position, they could see most of the battlefield. They waited, bows drawn and ready, for the perfect moment to strike.
The forest was silent for a moment, the calm before the storm. Then, the first clash of metal and the crackle of spells broke the silence. The battle had begun, and each team was determined to prove their worth.
Tae-young's Assassins struck first, a blur of motion as they descended upon an unsuspecting group of Roamers. The initial strike was devastating, but Kang-dae's Tanks held their ground, their armour absorbing the blows as the Supports worked frantically to heal them.
Soo-jin and Hana's Fighters, hearing the commotion, moved to flank the Assassins. They burst into the fray, their weapons a whirlwind of steel as they engaged the elusive foes. Sang-hee's Mages began their assault from a distance, spells raining down upon the battlefield, creating chaos and confusion.
Jin-kyong's Marksmen watched for their opportunity. When they saw an opening, they unleashed a volley of arrows and, a barrage of bullets, striking with deadly precision.
The battle was fierce, each team fighting not just for victory, but for the chance to prove they belonged among Korea's best. And amid the chaos, each student gave their all, determined to seize their moment in the spotlight.